Design your ideal GearPods system

[kev]

This thread is for members to post their ideal GearPods system for the June 2010 Survivalist Boards Contest.

The contest thread - http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...d.php?t=113215

Post your best overall design for a GearPods survival system using any kits and components currently available from the Gearpods site - http://www.gearpods.com/, up to a total of $300. GearPods will evaluate responses on the forum thread "Design your ideal GearPods system" (or equivalent), pick a winner, build the system and ship it out to them.

[angeryamerican]

I would start my kit with the Survival Pro module. I would loose the stove and use in its place the Shelter, with out all the accessories, just the tarp. In the Pro kit I would loose the one handed striker in favor of a fire steel, small ones can be had such as this;

http://bestglide.com/ranger_firelighting_flint.html

I have one and it works great. I would keep the tinder tabs though. In place of the braided cord i would have a hank of 550, as much as would fit. It gives more versatility to the system. I would possibly change the water bag for an oven bag, giving the ability to hang it over a fire for boiling, cooking possibilities.

If room permitted I would top it off with a couple of items of first aid, band aids and anibiotic ointment.

This would create a more comprehensive kit. I understand this is a modular system meant to add modules to create a system, but this could be the foundation of a Survival Ultra.

[krazykangaroo]

I would start with the XL container and add:
emergency bivvi
cookmug
solid fuel tablets
jetscream whistle
blastmatch firestarter
CRKT ritter knife
fresnel lens
water bag
duct tape
all weather pen

Of course I would also add some cord if it were available as a componant and a roller bandage and compass. I suppose it would have been better to start with one of the ready kits but I like to add componants individually rather than to add and take away.

I would prefer that the duct tape was yellow, but even as gray it can still be written on by the pen as markers for searchers. The bivvi can be used for shelter as well as collecting water.
This kit assumes that the owner has a basic knowledge of wildcraft.

[Jerry D Young]

1 Shelter Pro kit $79.95
1 Cook mug $29.95
1 Stove $19.95
1 Esbit tabs $5.95
1 Primus K/F/S $3.95
1 UST JetScream Whistle $6.95
1 UST Blastmatch $23.95
1 Wetfire Tinder $7.95
1 UST Sabercut saw $28.95
1 CRKT P.E.C.K knife $34.95
1 eGear PICO light $8.95
1 Spare battery (2-pk) $4.50
1 Katadyn Micropur MP-1 tablets $13.95
1 Sterile water bag (2-pk) $1.95
2 6” gearpods $19.90

Total $291.75


If I could add ~10% more for the discount
1 UST Starflash mirror $10.95
1 additional Wetfire tinder $7.95
1 additional Esbit stove tabs $5.95

$327.55 – $32.76 = $294.79

[ZenEngineer]

To be cached at the halfway point of my 35 mile 'get home from work if major quake happens' walk. Designed to provide some shelter if raining, a warm bag to nap in, and a hot drink to get me going the next morning.

Gearpods Connect Starter Kit 3 $49.95
AMK Heatsheets Emergency Bivy $15.95
Adventure Tarp $49.95
Cook Mug $29.95
Stove $19.95
Burner $12.95
Esbit Tablets $5.95
Primus foldable spork $3.95
AMK Spark-Lite Firestarter & Tinder-Quik $10.95
Sterile Water Bag (2) $3.90
Katydn Micropur MP1 tablets $13.95
eGear Pico Lite $8.95
eGear Pico battery cartridges $4.50
CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5 $23.95
Total ~$235

To be added: cord, toilet paper, coffee, sugar, and whatever sundries will fit in the remaining volume.

[slowriding]

My design would cover some of your basic needs....

AMK Spark-Lite Firestarter and Tinder-Quik $10.95
AMK Tinder-Quik Refill (12) $3.95
GearPods® Stove $19.95
GearPods® Burner $12.95
GearPods® Fuel Bottle $1.95
GearPods® Adventure Tarp $49.95
UST StarFlash® Mirror 2" x 3" $10.95
CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5 $23.95
Folding Saw $2.95
CRKT P.E.C.K® in the Dark $34.95
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water PurificationTablets(30) $13.95
Sterile Water Bag (2 Pack) $1.95
AMK Duct Tape (Pair of 50" Rolls) $3.95
GearPods® Connect Starter Kit 3 $49.95
GearPods® Health $24.95
GearPods® Paracord $17.95
eGear PICO Lite $8.95
eGear PICO Lite Spare Battery Cartridges (2 Pack) $4.50

Total: $298.65

With the 10% discount added we could look cool wearing the GearPods gear.

GearPods® Beanie (Black) $14.95
GearPods® T-Shirt (Black) $14.95

(Yes, it's a shameless plug for our gracious sponsor!)

[Deadmeat99]

GearPod RescueMe! kit

I put this kit together based on the philosophy that if you're out in the wilderness and for some reason get lost, or get hurt, and are unable to make your way back to civilization, the best way to save yourself is to BE SEEN and BE RESCUED. If you've been prudent in planning your adventure, you've told someone where you were going and when you plan on being back. If you go missing, your contact should know when to inform the authorities who should then dispatch some type of Search and Rescue team. This kit will help them find you and help you survive until that time.

A second consideration is that this kit must be light enough and small enough that you will actually want to carry it with you during even the most casual trip. A kit that is too heavy or bulky will more often be left in your vehicle or at home instead of being tossed in your bag and forgotten about until it's needed. It is assumed that for even a day hike, one will be carrying a basic load of water and snacks at a minimum, so food and water are not addressed in this kit. This kit is meant to complement what one would regularly carry on a day-hike or multi-night trip:

The two major things you will need to do to be rescued are:

1) BE SEEN: you need to give your rescuers as much help as possible in locating your position, day or night. To accomplish this task, I've included the following:

- UST StarFlash mirror: used during the daytime for long range signaling, especially to aircraft.
- UST JetScream whistle: used both day and night to let nearby rescuers audibly zero in on your position.
- eGear PICO Lite: useful for signaling at night, as well as making it easier to collect fire making material in low light conditions.
- UST BlastMatch, WetFire Tinder pack, ProForce Wind/Waterproof matches: I've gone heavy on firestarting gear because it fills multiple roles. During the day, build a fire that creates as much smoke as possible by burning green plants, wood, grass, etc. At night, build a large enough fire that will keep you warm as well as create a bright signal among the dark surroundings.
- UST SaberCut saw: used to gather and prepare as much fuel as possible to create your signal fire. You can also use it to gather material to create a shelter if you are fighting bad weather conditions.

2) DEFEAT EXPOSURE: exposure can defeat you quicker than lack of food or water. Implement your signaling plan, then hunker down to survive weather and the environment. In addition to the fire making materials above for staying warm, I've included:

- AMK Heatsheet Emergency Bivvy: a compact and light way to insulate yourself against the elements. Use it in combination with insulating foliage (dry grasses, leaves, etc) to keep warm. It's bright orange, so during the daytime, it will also act as a visual beacon among the natural surroudings.

This equipment should be able to fit in an XL (6") GearPod (if the BlastMatch and Bivvy can coexist, careful packing may be needed)

Total weight would be 17.42oz and would be stowed in a compact 6" GearPod. Total cost would be $116.10 (BlastMatch and the SaberCut saw are nearly half the cost of the kit). While the price may be higher than most of the kits featured on the GearPod website, it contains everything one would need to maximize chances of being seen and surviving until rescue arrives.

[haha49]

Ok my setup would be

GearPods® Health MSRP: $24.95
GearPods® Shelter MSRP: $59.95
GearPods® Paracord MSRP: $17.95
GearPods® Survival Pro MSRP: $89.95
GearPods® Sleeve (14.0", Digital Camo) MSRP: $24.95
UST BlastMatch Fire Starter Our Price: $23.95 (I would throw it into the survival pro)
Total $223.75

UST SaberCut Saw Our Price: $28.95
CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5 Our Price: $23.95
GearPods® Container (XL) 9.95
Total with extras
276.65

But I wouldnt use the kit for survival only.. I would actually use it for camping... why I rather test the gear I take so I might as well use what I carry or dont carry it (because whats the point) thats not inculding frist aid whistle or mirror (I always carry them)

Only thing that I would add to the kit if I was going to use it for camping would be my sleeping bag and that would fit inside the gear pod no problem.. (thats if I cant make a fire in the area legal/safty reasons)

[outdoorsurvival]

Start with the Warden in coyote tan

add 2 14" digital camo sleeves
replace the folding knife and saw with the CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5
replace the spark lite with UST BlastMatch Fire Starter and wetfire

aprox $290

[baddesa]

Here's how I would go:

Sterile Water Bag (2 Pack) $1.95
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water PurificationTablets(30) $13.95
Shelter Pro kit $79.95
Blastmatch $23.95
AMK Tinder-Quick refill $3.95
Wetfire tinder $7.95
Sabercut saw $28.95
CRKT P.E.C.K knife $34.95
Stove $19.95
Esbit Tablets $5.95
Cook Mug $29.95
Burner $12.95
PICO light $8.95
Spare battery (2-pk) $4.50
JetScream Whistle $6.95
Starflash mirror $10.95

I think that brings the total to: $295.75

I would really LOVE it if GearPods would come up with an emergency fishing kit! (I have some items in mind if they want input, see below!)

Jig - (1) 2" Swirl Tail Grub
Jig - (1) Tiny Shad
Jig - (1) 1 1/2" Tube Jig
Spoon - (1) 1/4 oz.
Bait - (8) Salmon Eggs
Fly - (1) Size 8
Fly - (1) Size 10 1/8
Desiccant - (1) Moisture Absorbing Packet
Razor - (1) Folding Razor Knife
Hooks - (2) Treble
Hooks - (3) #4
Hooks - (3) #6
Hooks - (3) #8
Leaders - (4) Wire Wound Leaders
Split Shot - (4) BB
Split Shot - (4) 3/0
Bobber - (1) ¾”
Line - (50 Ft) 12LB
Line - (25 Ft) 30LB
Ready Line - (Line, Bobber, Sinker, Hook)

But that would put me over the edge. I love this stuff, and would love to see what GearPods could do with a fishing/snaring system!!! Thanks!

[Basic Human Unit]

I actually ordered empty gearpods and built my own. I'll post pics in a bit.

I love the fact that every component and pod is available for sale individually.

[The Saint]

bump.......................

[haha49]

Originally Posted by baddesa

Here's how I would go:

Sterile Water Bag (2 Pack) $1.95
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water PurificationTablets(30) $13.95
Shelter Pro kit $79.95
Blastmatch $23.95
AMK Tinder-Quick refill $3.95
Wetfire tinder $7.95
Sabercut saw $28.95
CRKT P.E.C.K knife $34.95
Stove $19.95
Esbit Tablets $5.95
Cook Mug $29.95
Burner $12.95
PICO light $8.95
Spare battery (2-pk) $4.50
JetScream Whistle $6.95
Starflash mirror $10.95

I think that brings the total to: $295.75

I would really LOVE it if GearPods would come up with an emergency fishing kit! (I have some items in mind if they want input, see below!)

Jig - (1) 2" Swirl Tail Grub
Jig - (1) Tiny Shad
Jig - (1) 1 1/2" Tube Jig
Spoon - (1) 1/4 oz.
Bait - (8) Salmon Eggs
Fly - (1) Size 8
Fly - (1) Size 10 1/8
Desiccant - (1) Moisture Absorbing Packet
Razor - (1) Folding Razor Knife
Hooks - (2) Treble
Hooks - (3) #4
Hooks - (3) #6
Hooks - (3) #8
Leaders - (4) Wire Wound Leaders
Split Shot - (4) BB
Split Shot - (4) 3/0
Bobber - (1) ¾”
Line - (50 Ft) 12LB
Line - (25 Ft) 30LB
Ready Line - (Line, Bobber, Sinker, Hook)

But that would put me over the edge. I love this stuff, and would love to see what GearPods could do with a fishing/snaring system!!! Thanks!

I would like to see a fishing 1 as well.. but you can always make it with the containers they give you

[nickosnow]

edited in post #15

[nickosnow]

AMK Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy 15.95
GearPods Adventure Tarp 49.95
Line Tensioners 1-2mm (Set of 6) 3.95
GearPods CookMug 29.95
GearPodsStove 19.95
Esbit Solid Fuel Tablets (12) 5.95
UST JetScream Whistle 6.95
AMK Rescue Flash Signal Mirror 8.95
ProForce Windproof/Waterproof Matches (Sachet of 10) 2.50
UST BlastMatch Fire Starter 23.95
UST WetFire Tinder (Pack of 8) 7.95
Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pen (Black Ink) 8.95
Rite in the Rain Pocket Notebook - Yellow (3" x 5") 3.85
Rite in the Rain Tan Cordura Cover (3" x 5") 10.95
Sterile Water Bag (2 Pack) 1.95
GearPods Mini-LED Flashlight 2.95
AMK Duct Tape (Pair of 50" Rolls) 3.95
eGear PICO Lite 8.95
GearPods Container (XL) 9.95
GearPods Sleeve (9.5", Digital Camo) 19.95
Folding Saw 2.95
CRKT Ritter RSK Mk5 23.95
UST SaberCut Saw 28.95
Folding Knife 1.95
GearPods Container (Medium) 7.95
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water Purification Tablets (30) 13.95
6" Cable Ring (2) 6'' cable ring
Primus Foldable Spork 3.95
gearPods CookMug Lid 2.95
GearPods Beanie (Black) 14.95 ...Cool I like getting promotional stuff with purchases especially something I would wear in survival mode.

Topeak Modula Cage 7.95 (optional)


There are some things that I would like to see added are fishing, cordage, maybe some snare wire. I could probably think of more when I'm not so sleepy, tomorrow.


-Nickolaus

[Teslin]

I have been trying to design a "Yuppie Get out of Town Quick" backpack based 'system' for my niece who doesn't believe that bad things will ever happen in NYC (and her father and I who know they can and probably will - in fact they already have). We are trying to convince her to 'be prepared' in case she needs to exit the city quickly and get to some predetermined safe place as far as she can manage to trek while he tries to get down from CT to pick her up.

She lives in a small NYC apartment so this needs to be small, well organized and easy to carry. I tried to use a set of similar components to what we used here for our bug out bags in making her one and the result was too large, messy and very heavy for her to carry or store till needed. The pre-designed Pod system is neat, looks fairly light, and has been well thought out to contain all the essentials.

It looks as though the containers and their contents would fit in a smaller pack than I originally used, along with a few of her own things - like a change of clothes, a map with route marked on it, a communication device of some kind if possible, and a bit of extra food and water.

Your comprehensive instructions on how to use everything will come in very handy too since she is not a very experienced camper but she is a quick study when push comes to shove.

While your systems seem amazingly versatile, look durable and very useful for those of us who are more used to getting down and dirty, I know they will also have great appeal for the urban young lady as well. She also travels a lot, around the world, for her work, so minus the sharp objects which the TSA might object to, she might be able to take a pod or two with her during those trips!

So, with this end user in mind, because of the excellent, thoughtful way you seem to have put together your kits and not because I am lazy and want to skip doing all the assembly myself, I would also start with the Warden.

Warden Kit $199.95 with orange connectors - this young lady is 'hip' and although this is not the best camoflage colour, in an emergency she may need cheering up with the orange.

I would change out (or add) to the Warden (provided there is room enough in the containers), the following

UST Saber Cut Saw $28.95
CRKT Peck in the Dark knife $34.95
GearPods Beanie $14.95

since I think she would handle the larger knife and saw more effectively and they seem a bit more durable than the tiny ones. The knife might also provide her with some protection from various predators in a pinch. The Beanie is cool and she will love that - she is a 'hat person' - and it can be cold in NYC and the burbs in winter, not to mention that the black is not that bad as camoflage unless you are in a snowbank.

So, approximately $280 should take care of her needs very well! I can't see what else I would need to add to this 'gift' for my favorite niece (except perhaps the logo T-shirt so she could advertise for you on the streets of the Big Apple when not escaping its confines). GearPods seems to have considered most of the essentials.

Thanks for the introduction to your excellent Pod system(s). Now I want the same for myself, please!

(P.S. I love your website. It is well laid out and easy to navigate but I have 2 small comments. 1) I 'registered' for your newsletters and look forward to reading them, however, once I had used the 'front page' means to do so (which asked only for my email address), it would not let me enter a 'username' on the next page it took me to, to connect me to both the email and this site, just fyi. 2) It would be nice if all the kit names which are highlighted in blue throughout the descriptions were 'linked' to their descriptions on other pages - some are (the ones in the text description) and some are not (the ones below in the lists of components, don't seem to be linked).

[hank2222]

Thanks kev that is one neat system you have bought onto the boards here ..

[m1illion]

GearPods® Connect Starter Kit 3 $49.95



GearPods® Sleeve (14.0", Black) $24.95



GearPods® CookMug $29.95



GearPods® Stove $19.95



GearPods® CookMug Lid $2.95



GearPods® Burner $12.95



GearPods® Fuel Bottle $1.95



Esbit® Solid Fuel Tablets (12) $5.95



GearPods® Adventure Tarp $49.95



UST JetScream Whistle $6.95



CRKT P.E.C.K® in the Dark $34.95


UST SaberCut Saw $28.95



AMK Spark-Lite Firestarter and Tinder-Quik $10.95



Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water Purification Tablets (30) $13.95



GearPods® Mini-LED Flashlight $2.95



Total: $297.25

[scaatylobo]

I would start with the Gear Pods Warden,as that is a very good and safe choice.

Then I need to add a large blade to that so my choice is a camp knife in the 100.00 dollar range and that brings the total to 300.00.

I like the Warden as it has enough gear to handle all emergencys that could reasonably be expected - and that encompasses the fact that many will NEED that gear in a survival sit-rep.

[Morlok]

I used the rule of three's.

Shelter
GearPods® Adventure Tarp $49.95
AMK Heatsheets® Emergency Bivvy $15.95
Line Tensioners 3-5mm (Set of 6) $9.95
GearPods® Paracord $17.95

Water
Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water Purification Tablets (30) $13.95

Food
GearPods® Snack Pack $17.95
CRKT P.E.C.K® in the Dark $34.95

I'm adding the knife here as I can use it and the Paracord to make snares, and I already have the cord listed.

Heat/cooking
GearPods® Stove $19.95
Esbit® Solid Fuel Tablets (24) $11.90 GearPods® CookMug $29.95
AMK Spark-Lite Firestarter and Tinder-Quik $10.95

Firstaid
GearPods® Health $24.95

Storage
GearPods® Connect Starter Kit 1 $37.95


Total: $290.35